Category: Knowledge
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Alternatives to Invasive Common Periwinkle (Vinca minor)
Originally from Eurasia, common periwinkle was introduced from Europe in the 1700s for its fast, dense coverage as a trailing evergreen groundcover. Common periwinkle is a plant so ubiquitous that reference to…
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Cleaning Mason Bee Houses (a.k.a The Parasite Talk)
Many of us reap the rewards of native mason bees pollinating our fruit trees in the spring. We provide houses to attract and keep these beautiful bees close to our gardens. In return,…
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Alternatives to Invasive English Ivy (Hedera helix)
English ivy is certainly one of the most common and widespread invasive species on Salt Spring Island. I think we are all familiar with this fast-growing evergreen vine as a dense groundcover…
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Choosing the Best Mason Bee House
At the talks I give on native plants and bees, people often ask me what the best houses for mason bees are. I’ll discuss the options, and their advantages and drawbacks. The…
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Alternatives to Invasive Daisies
A familiar and cheerful sight on the roadside, the oxeye daisy is easily recognised by its open white flowers with yellow centres. Native to Eurasia, Oxeye daisy was introduced to North America…
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Alternatives to Invasive Yellow Flag Iris (Iris pseudacorus)
European yellow flag iris is known to exist in Saanich but thankfully has not yet been found running amok on Salt Spring Island. Let’s take this as a warning, and do our…
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Alternatives to Invasive Himalayan Blackberry (Rubus armeniacus)
An extremely familiar plant for those living on the Pacific Northwest, with its alluring fat and delicious berries guarded by vicious thorns known to pierce even leather, the Himalayan blackberry is both…
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Alternatives to Invasive English Holly (Ilex aquifolium)
English holly is beloved for its red berries over winter and associated with Christmas, as well as the classic carol, The Holly and the Ivy (which now makes my invasive species antennae…
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Alternatives to Invasive Wild Clematis (Clematis vitalba)
Easily identified during winter by its wispy seed pods, the white flower clusters of this robust vine create dense growth, blanketing shrubs and tall native trees, and shading out native groundcover. Once…
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Differences Between Honey Bees and North American Native Bees
Hello and welcome to the first blog. I am really looking forward to covering a wide range topics on anything related to ecological gardening. With so much to say, let’s get to…